8/08/2018

Serena Williams is being extremely transparent on Instagram with the struggle experienced by a lot of working parents. Typically the most difficult decision for first time mother and any parents to make is the decision to return back to work after a short bonding period with your child. A decision that too often leaves you feeling remorseful and full of anxiety wondering if you're in fact making the best choice. The thought that you're missing milestones at such a pivotal stage in your child's life can be overwhelming. This can be especially the case here in the US with maternity leave being a gray area for to many employees where state laws vary drastically. I've worked for a global company and was shocked when I learned that Canada offers parents a full year off to bond with a child and that is a law enforced by the country. Same company in different countries had a drastic difference in laws that govern maternity leave.

Overwhelmingly the decision causes many mothers to put their careers on hold. Although Serena has the luxury of entrusting her child to family and her husband during her absence many are left with no other option than to entrusting their children to a complete stranger. It's a horrible feeling and one that I and other moms have experienced first hand. Even in the care of someone you trust it still weighs heavily on your conscious leaving a parent extremely guilt-ridden at times. When daycare is your only option, you can't help but to worry about scenarios that for many are real cause for concern. Is the childcare employee resentful of their job or having their own obstacles within their personal lives that can lead to neglect of your child/children? This sentiment is extremely prevalent when your child is too young to articulate the actions of their caregiver to you. It's a horrible feeling and one that I and other moms have experienced first hand. This is definitely a topic that is universal to working parents and I appreciate Serena's openness regarding how it has impacted her. Hopefully it can shed light on a taboo topic that a lot of parents battle internally and alone. Especially for women who work and wish to continue progressing within their careers.

8/01/2018

This weekend was one for binge watching and after seeing a commercial for "Snowfall" on the FX channel, I decided to give it a shot. In the beginning I felt like the show was just another take on the 80's with it's drugs, kingpin idolization and misconduct by the government but I let continue because each episode had it's extreme cliff hanger moments which hooked me. I was shocked by some of the scenes and couldn't pull myself from it. I went from scrolling through IG and half ass watching to fully invested by episode 3. Each episode is good with it's own plot twist and sticky situations but 3 took the cake. I damn near flipped the fuck out with the unanticipated rape scene!!!! I was both appalled and shocked when watching what I at first started with a tough guy getting smacked around to hitting a complete 180 when it turned to an insinuated male on male RAPE scene!!! Immediately I dropped my cell and mixed emotions swept over me. My emotions ranged from shock because I thought the man was getting killed, then to confusion because of the swift escalation from an altercation to sex. Which led to me being upset because "why the hell was a rape scene needed"? Then back to shocked. I'm telling you I was in full blown disbelief at that point which led me to the good ole internet to see who wrote it, just to find out it was John Singleton.

Now if I must refresh your memory John Singleton appears to have been itching for a homosexual scenes in his movies and shows since his attempt with All Eyez on Me was shut down. It's been rumored that he was fired from directing the biopic film depicting Tupac's life "All Eyez on Me" because he wanted to add a jail rape scene that was not cleared or proven to be factual. Below is an excerpt from an interview with Young Noble of the Outlawz discussing John Singleton's involvement with the movie:“Lets move forward to John Singleton. He doing interviews saying he quit from directing the film because the producers wasn’t telling Pac story with integrity an they sued Afeni when the truth is he got fired from the job. We got the call the day he got fired an honestly i was kinda upset because i thought he was the perfect guy to direct Pac movie until i heard the reason he got fired. John wrote his own script for the movie an in his script he had a scene insinuating 2pac getting raped in jail an he had Afeni as a lesbian an wanted a scene in there with her doing some lesbian activities. So this dude John Singleton was gonna put all kinda lies an made up shit an give y’all some real Hollywood movie so he got fired on the spot an now he out here doing interviews saying he quit like he was doing something out of honor for Pac & Afeni,” said Young Noble.Overall I still liked what I was able to catch of Snowfall and will be watching season 2 which airs on Thursday evenings on FX. Episode 3 will be airing tomorrow but I'll have to catch it on the app because I'll be out and about but if you're interested here's the trailer for season 2.

7/26/2018

Who doesn't love a great meal? Many of my best memories revolve around good food and great company. I also enjoy a great snack and a good movie. It's the a part of the basic fundamentals of Netflix and chill which always consist of some great munchies. One of the best feelings is discovering a new favorite food or snack. Only issue is with the lack of options we're normally stuck with the same choices to choose from and that is boring and most often leads to grabbing the easiest alternative which can be unhealthy.
As a working mom, I often struggle daily with the same question. "What's for dinner?" is something I ask myself and my family daily. It's especially daunting when I'm leaving work often times hungry myself knowing that I have to prepare or buy something for us all to eat. Too often I hit the nearest drive through and there are but so many times you can cook spaghetti before it becomes an unwelcome option. I also know that I'm not alone. Too often working parents feel the same agony over dinner or reluctantly spend money on take-out to offset the stress for another day. Trying to ensure you and your family eat well balanced healthy meals that also taste good is like searching for a great sale on designer jeans.HARD!Le Bon Vivant Kickstarter

Imagine my surprise when I discovered that someone finally decided to help us out. Le Bon Vivant promises to send us healthy recipes based on our taste preferences. Always wanted access to the best dairy free desserts or gluten free pasta dishes but had to settle? Well you wont have to wait much longer. Le Bon Vivant also offers services that will track your calorie intake, water intake, send you reminders when you need more water as well as offers access to personal trainers for 1-on-1 coaching to achieve your fitness goals. Track all your progress and if you need assistance meal prepping for the week you can have access to what to add to your grocery list with suggested recipes. This mom cannot wait!!! If you're like me then make sure you do your part to chip in to help them bring this baby to reality.Le Bon Vivant App